CHAPTER XV.
WHAT BERTRAM CALLS "THE LIMIT" At half past ten o'clock on the evening following Mrs.Stetson's very plain talk with William, the telephone bell at the Beacon Street house rang sharply.

Pete answered it.
"Well ?"--Pete never said "hello." "Hello.

Is that you, Pete ?" called Billy's voice agitatedly.

"Is Uncle William there ?" "No, Miss Billy." "Oh dear! Well, Mr.Cyril, then ?" "He's out, too, Miss Billy.

And Mr.Bertram--they're all out." "Yes, yes, I know HE'S out," almost sobbed Billy.